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Energy & Environment

From the shores of Puget Sound to the majesty of the Palouse, we live in a magnificent state. Part of our responsibility as Washingtonians is to keep our state’s water and air clean for our families and our families’ families. The governor is working with leaders around the state to reduce air and water pollution and keep our neighborhoods great places to work and play.

Electric vehicle incentives. Gov. Inslee requested a suite of legislation to incentivize the use of electric vehicles in Washington state. SB 5444 and HB 1572 create an EV infrastructure bank to give financial assistance to install publically accessible high-speed charging stations. SB 5445 and HB 1925 extend a sales tax exemption on the first $60,000 on the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles. To incentivize electric vehicle readiness in buildings, Gov. Inslee requested SB 5446 and HB 1929 which would require urban cities and counties to adopt high speed EV charging station incentive programs.

Oil transportation safety. When it comes to oil moving along our rail lines, Gov. Inslee’s top priority is keeping our communities safe. The governor requested legislation (SB 5087 / HB 1449) based on a new assessment that recommends steps to improve safety and spill response and preparedness for oil transportation in our state.

Through the governor’s Shellfish Initiative, a new shellfish restoration hatchery was opened in May 2014 at the NOAA Fisheries Manchester Research Station in Port Orchard. This sets the stage for larger-scale restoration of native species in the future.

2013

Gov. Inslee brought together a bipartisan group of lawmakers (the Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup) to develop a plan for the state to meet its greenhouse gas emissions targets (SB 5802). Hundreds of Washingtonians made their voices heard during this planning process, urging the state to take action on climate.

Gov. Inslee’s Yakima Basin jobs, water and fish bill (SB 5367) works with agencies and local partners to manage water in the Yakima River Basin. Droughts and water shortages have harsh impacts on salmon, crops and homes in the region. The bill enhances stream flows for salmon, provides farmers with water, buys land for habitat restoration and public recreation and secures future water supplies. The legislation also created the Teanaway Community Forest Trust to ensure protection and public access to forest lands in the state.